Sep 28,2007 00:00 by
Bend_Weekly_News_Sources In August, the City of Bend Community Development Department began enforcing the placement of unauthorized signs within public street right of ways. The City has noticed that compliance with the sign code has increased over the past few weeks.

Approximately 116 signs have been removed in September; the removals are due to garage sale signs and other signs not associated with properties for sale. In July, the City met with the Realtors Association to discuss compliance with the code. City of Bend City Community Development Director, Mel Oberst said, “We commend the Realtors Association and all of the real estate community for their efforts in complying with the Bend Sign code on proper placement of signs. We have certainly noticed the difference. It has allowed the city staff to focus enforcement on other signs illegally placed in the right of way. Thank you!”

The City will continue to enforce the sign code and reminds homeowners that unauthorized signs are prohibited within public street right of ways, which include garage sale signs. Violations of the code may lead to a costly citation. The City will remove the signs and issue a citation to the responsible individual. The “right of way” is the public area located between the property lines oneach side of a street or an alley. Improvements typically located within a right of way include the street, curb, gutter, sidewalk, mailboxes, utility poles, fire hydrants, power boxes, and, a landscape area usually situated between the curb and sidewalk.

A complete copy of the City of Bend Sign Code regulation is available on the City web site at www.ci.bend.or.us or can be purchased at City Hall. The public may contact the Community Development Department, Building Division at (541) 388-5528 for more information.